Steering ball joint removal

b8njw · 21-06-2009, 09:59 AM

I'm in the process of fitting dropped spindles.

The stripdown was going well until it came to the steering ball joint. I've removed the split pin and the castlleated nut but eh ball joint just won't budge.

I've attacked it with a hammer and a fork type ball joint splitter but its going nowhere!!

Am I missing something?

bac2ba6 · 21-06-2009, 10:34 AM

They can be stuborn little sods especially if they havent been appart for a long time ! a good dose of wd40 down where the tapered bit goes through the spindal ! and a bit of heat ( being carefull not to melt anything ) and a few good wallops and it usually goes .

Ive always found those fork style seperators hard work ! if you can get hold of one that latches over the joint and you tighten it up with a allen key or spanner and it pulls them appart ! always found those style seperators much better !

keep at it it will go eventually

orange912 · 21-06-2009, 10:38 AM

your not missing anything just a little patience, using the fork type splitter usually damages the track end so why not just unscrew it from the track arm and replace.
when you do your top and bottom ball joints undo the top one first and just tap the large nut at the top it should free up easily, this gives you access to the bottom one from above, i use a brass bar so as not to damage the threads

YA DAD · 21-06-2009, 10:44 AM

halfords do a wind off type ball joint splitter

b8njw · 21-06-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks guys, i've got the top & bottom balljoints loose with no problems, just this stubborn steering bugger!!

YA DAD · 21-06-2009, 10:50 AM

get down halfords dude they will fly off

b8njw · 21-06-2009, 01:02 PM

Removed the track rod, clamped in a vice, gave it a whack and it shot across the garage!!

Result!!

Thanks for the advice guys. Passeneger side a doddle, spindle fitted in under an hour.

Time for a celebratory cup of tea!!